State Senate approves mandatory sentences for gun felonies

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State Senate approves mandatory sentences for gun felonies

MADISON — The state Senate has passed a bill that would impose mandatory minimum prison sentences for violent felons who illegally possess a gun.

The Senate passed the bill Friday on a bipartisan 23-9 vote. It previously passed the Assembly and now goes to Gov. Scott Walker for his consideration.

Under the bill, the felon would face a mandatory minimum of three years in prison. If a felon uses a gun to commit a violent felony, he or she would face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison plus the three years for possession.

Felons who commit less severe violent felonies with a gun would face a mandatory minimum of three years for possession plus a minimum of one-and-a-half years to three years depending on the crime.